Image Credit: Reza Saeedipour-fcesteghlal.ir
Esteghlal striker Cheick Diabate will be unavailable for 4 weeks after severe rib injury in 1-1 draw against Naft-e-Masjed Soleyman.
The Malian center-forward who joined Esteghlal in close season, has injured in 37th minute at Masjed Soleyman and was substituted before the half time.
At first it seemed he could play in Tehran derby on 22 September but now more test shows he will be out at least for 3-4 weeks.
In addition of rib fraction, Esteghlal medical team revealed his abdominal muscle was injured too. Diabate’s absence will be a big blow for Andrea Stramaccioni’s side as they have not won in this season yet.
This week Esteghlal lost 1-0 against Persepolis in Tehran derby and it has increased the pressure on former Inter Milan manager.